Endocannabinoids in Acute Intestinal Inflammation

Cannabinoids are a group of chemicals that come from the cannabis plant (cannabis sativa). Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of these chemicals and studies have suggest that it has anti inflammatory effects when induced in animals. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is another one of these compounds that wields a psychotropic effect in animals. Cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) are found in the endocannabinoid system and allow cannabinoids to bind and do their job in the body. This review will take a look at endocannabinoids and their role to play in intestinal inflammation and ulcerative colitis.

Cannabinoid receptors of type 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), activator, and actions for endocannabinoid inactivation have been discovered in the gastrointestinal system. Triggering of CB1 receptors by endocannabinoids gives a comforting effect to the lower oesophageal sphincter and sees the induction of gastric acid secretion, intestinal movement, and fluid stimulated secretion. However, Triggering of cannabinoid receptors has effects on gastrointestinal functionality in numerous ways. Recent results show that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the tiniest intestine and colon becomes over stimulated during inflammation in both animal and human studies in inflammatory syndromes. This paper outlines a good reasoning for the development of cannabinoids to become a therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Anti Inflammation Abilities of Cannabinoids

The side effects of cannabinoids on intestinal bowel disease (IBD), as well as on intestinal movement and secretory diarrhoea, seen in previous research, greater the possibility for their application in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. In fact, based on these results in animal research, a clinical study with Cannabis in people with recurrent chronic intermittent Crohn’s disease has begun at the University Hospital of Munich. A specific eye will look at this tests potential adverse events of Cannabis, such as tolerance and proconvulsant impacts. It looks like endocannabinoids may control the intestinal reaction at levels of improving motility, stopping inflammation mediators and providing a base for wound healing.

Conclusion

Overall, there is good possibility for the advancement of new therapeutic drugs against intestinal inflammation from the endocannabinoid system. While full understanding of the actions of the anti‐inflammatory abilities of cannabinoid receptor triggering is still to be sought after, more studies will be needed be carried out to see whether animal studies can be translated to the clinic.

Registered with the British Psychological Society, breaking the taboo on mental health issues is one of the driving forces in Jonathan's life. His background in biomedicine gives him additional understanding of the factors that work together to influence the human condition.